Ferntree Migration lists key changes to the 482 Skills in Demand Visa

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On December 7th, 2024, the Australian Government introduced major changes to the 482 visa, now renamed the Skills in Demand Visa. These updates significantly impact the hotel and hospitality industry, particularly how businesses can sponsor skilled workers under the updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Below, we’ve outlined the key changes, eligible occupations, and alternative pathways to help you navigate the new system and secure the skilled talent your business needs.

Key Changes to the 482 Visa:

  1. Occupational List Updates:
  • Cafe and Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111) has been removed from the CSOL.
  • Outside of Labour Agreements, this occupation is now eligible only in regional areas via:
    1. The 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, or

DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements) under the 482 visa.

2. Work Experience Requirements Reduced:

  1. The minimum work experience required has been reduced to 12 months.

Employers must ensure candidates meet both this requirement and the skill-level experience requirements outlined in ANZSCO for the specific role.

3. English Proficiency Standards:

  • Applicants must meet stricter standards:
    • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 5.0 and 5.0 in each component.
    • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 36 overall and in each component.

4. Stream-Specific Criteria:

  • The Specialist and Core Skills Streams now have distinct eligibility requirements, including work experience, skills assessments, and salary thresholds.

Hospitality Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The following occupations remain eligible for sponsorship under the Skills in Demand Visa’s Core Skills Stream:

Hotel and Accommodation Roles:

  • Hotel or Motel Manager (ANZSCO 141311)
    • Alternative Titles: Hotelier, Publican
    • Specialisations: Duty Manager (Hotel), Resort Manager
  • Licensed Club Manager (ANZSCO 141411)
    • Specialisations: Gaming Manager, Nightclub Manager
  • Accommodation and Hospitality Managers NEC (ANZSCO 141999)
    • Specialisations: Backpackers’ Manager, Boarding House Manager, Casino Duty Manager, Guest House Manager, Hostel Manager, Reception Centre Manager

Hotel Service Roles:

  • Hotel Service Manager (ANZSCO 431411)
    • Specialisations: Front Office Manager, Head Housekeeper, Head Porter, Hotel Concierge, Hotel Office Manager

Food Service Roles:

  • Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
    • Restrictions apply to limited-service restaurants and factory settings.
  • Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
    • Restrictions apply as above.
  • Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351112)
  • Baker (ANZSCO 351111)

Cafe and Restaurant Managers: Alternative Pathways

With Cafe and Restaurant Manager removed from the CSOL, businesses must pursue alternative options to sponsor these roles. Outside Labour Agreements, this occupation is eligible only in regional areas.

  1. Labour Agreements

Businesses can access Cafe and Restaurant Managers through the following agreements:

  • Fine Dining Labour Agreement:
    Specifically for high-end hospitality businesses, this allows sponsorship of Cafe and Restaurant Managers and other critical roles.
  • Company-Specific Labour Agreements:
    Tailored agreements designed to meet the unique needs of businesses.
  1. Regional 494 Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) 494 visa remains a viable option for Cafe and Restaurant Managers in regional areas.

  • Benefits:
    • Provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
    • Age concession available for applicants under 55.
  1. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)

DAMAs allow businesses in specific regions to sponsor occupations not included on the standard list. These agreements offer concessions on age, income, and English proficiency requirements.

Hospitality Occupations Available Under DAMAs:

  • Goulburn Valley DAMA (Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, and Moira Shire areas):
    • Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
    • Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
  • Great South Coast DAMA (Glenelg Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, Moyne Shire, Corangamite Shire, Colac-Otway Shire, Warrnambool City Council):
    • Cafe or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111)
    • Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
    • Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
    • Bar Attendant (ANZSCO 431111)
    • Waiter (ANZSCO 431511)
    • Cafe Worker (ANZSCO 431211)
    • Housekeeping Supervisor (ANZSCO 070499)
    • Hospitality Workers NEC (ANZSCO 431999)

How We Can Help

As a preferred and trusted provider of immigration services for AHA members, we specialise in guiding businesses through their visa needs. Our tailored solutions for the hospitality industry include:

  • Securing Labour Agreements, including Fine Dining and Company-Specific Agreements.
  • Assisting with DAMA and regional visa pathways.
  • Navigating the 482 Skills in Demand Visa program to meet your business needs.

Let us help you secure the skilled talent your business needs to succeed.

Contact Ferntree Migration today for expert assistance with visa solutions tailored to your business.

Cathrine Burnett LL.M
Director and Principal Migration Agent (MARN 0324641)
Ferntree Migration
0418 349 696
cb@ferntreemigration.com.au
www.ferntreemigration.com.au